Terms of Service for UB Hacking 2024

Welcome to UB Hacking 2024 (“Hackathon”). By participating in this event, you agree to comply with the following Terms of Service (“Terms”). These Terms are subject to change at the discretion of UB Hacking (“Organizer”). Any changes will be communicated to participants promptly.

1. Code of Conduct

  • All participants, mentors, judges, sponsors, and staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct. Harassment, abuse, or inappropriate behavior towards any participant will not be tolerated.
  • Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to offensive comments, intimidation, stalking, inappropriate physical contact, sexualized behavior, and discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, or other personal attributes.
  • If a participant engages in prohibited behavior, the Organizer reserves the right to take appropriate action, including warnings or expulsion from the event without refund.
  • If you experience or witness any inappropriate behavior, please report it immediately using the contact information provided.

2. General Hackathon Rules

  • Team Formation: Teams can consist of up to 3-4 members. Participants are encouraged to form teams before or during the event. Solo participants are also welcome.
  • Project Submissions: All projects must be developed during the hackathon timeframe. Pre-existing projects, partially completed work, or any prior submissions will not be accepted.
  • Intellectual Property: Participants retain ownership of their projects, but submissions must not contain any material that violates intellectual property rights, such as copyrighted software, music, or images.
  • Judging Criteria: Projects will be judged based on innovation, technical difficulty, design, impact, and completeness, and other criteria specified by the Organizer.
  • Event Conduct: Participants are expected to respect all event rules and comply with instructions from the Organizer and staff. Disruptive behavior will lead to disqualification.
  • Venue Regulations: Participants must follow all venue-specific rules and guidelines, including safety protocols, designated areas, and permitted equipment use.

3. Acceptable and Unacceptable Behavior

  • Acceptable Behavior: Encouraging and supporting fellow participants, sharing knowledge, collaborating within teams, following the event schedule, and using hackathon resources responsibly.
  • Unacceptable Behavior: Harassment, spamming, vandalism, theft, deliberate disruption of talks or workshops, inappropriate language or imagery in projects, and unauthorized use of others' property.
  • Alcohol and Substance Use: The consumption of alcohol or illegal substances is strictly prohibited. Participants who are found under the influence will be removed from the event.
  • Privacy and Recording: Do not photograph or record participants without their consent. Respect the privacy of others at all times.

4. Project Development Guidelines

  • Timeframe: Projects must be developed exclusively during the hackathon, beginning at the official start time and ending at the submission deadline.
  • Use of External Code: The use of open-source libraries and frameworks is permitted, but projects must include significant original work created during the hackathon.
  • Team Membership Changes: Teams must be finalized before the hackathon ends. Any changes must be reported to the Organizer immediately.

5. Safety and Security

  • Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency, follow the directions provided by the Organizer and venue staff. Contact security or local authorities if necessary.
  • Health and Safety: Participants should prioritize their health, avoid overexertion, and take regular breaks. Sleeping areas may be provided; use them if needed.

6. Reporting Violations

  • If you encounter behavior that violates these Terms or makes you uncomfortable, report it to the Organizer using the designated reporting channels. Reports can be made anonymously.
  • Contact details for reporting: contact@ubhacking.com.

7. Liability and Disclaimer

  • The Organizer is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged property. Participants are responsible for their personal belongings and safety.
  • The Organizer reserves the right to cancel, modify, or postpone the hackathon for any reason, including health and safety concerns.

8. Acceptance of Terms

By participating in UB Hacking, you agree to these Terms and to adhere to the rules outlined for a safe and respectful event. Violations may result in disqualification and/or expulsion from the hackathon.